Digital Mammo?

[momdeeco]

HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE DIGITAL MAMMO'S? FROM WHAT I'VE READ THEY MAY BE A LITTLE BETTER. I REQUESTED MY MAMMO'S BE DIGITAL BUT BREAST SURGESON SAID "NOT NECESSARY." (REGULAR MAMMO NORMAL 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO DX OF BC) I ALSO ASKED FOR A MRI EVERY 6 MONTHS, BUT SHE ALSO SAID 'NOT NECESSARY.' (SHE WAS CONCERNED INSURANCE WOULD'T PAY FOR IT.) AM I BEING TOO PARANOID AND READING TOO MUCH?

[Colleen007]

Hi Karla,

I am due for my yearly mammogram in May and asked my doctor to be sure to request the mammo as "digital". She told me that with a prior BC diagnosis, they automatically do it as digital (at least at the Breast Center that I go to). I don't think that requesting it as digital should be a big deal. And if you are worried about whether insurance will pay for the tests you want to have done, you can always contact the insurance carrier and get pre-authorization. Since my diagnosis, the insurance hasn't questioned a single test that my doctor has ordered.

[Patb]

A digital mammogram found my breast cancer. I did not and neither did a regular
mammo. I just decided to go to a new center and try it and there was a suspicious place and they did compression mammo and ultra sound and confirmed it was indeed breast cancer. With the digital they can play around and enhance the area I was told. I had a lumpectomy two days later and then
started treatment.
Patb

Lumpectomy, Stage I, No Nodes, Clear Margins, 1.7 cen. deep, hard to see,
Four A/C, Radiation x 33, Herceptin for Her2positive and Arimedex for ER+ for five years.

[rinaina]

Please explain the difference between a digital mammo and a regular mammo. Also purpose of MRI of breast vs mammo. I just had my first mammo since this all began almost a year ago and it was clear, no problems. My mammo was refered to as a diagnostic mammo and after taking the initial views, they did come back to take more magnified views.

[momdeeco]

It is my understanding that all mammo's after dx of BC are diagnostic. The Digital mammo uses a higher-constrast resolution (than "regular" mammo's)and provides clearer, bigger sharper findings. It also allows manipulation of the image to increase visibility, avoiding additional "spot compresion films." It also requires fewer repeat exams to correct poor exposures ( which adds extra exposure to radiation.)

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) is a test that uses a mgnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of the breast. An MRI can detect tissue disease, infection, inflammation and or tumors. I think it is better than a mammo because it evaluates breast problems close to the chest wall. I know it is alot more expensive than mammo's. ($3,000?) and there is a possibility of false positives.
I just can't imagine why my doc would object to either one. Wondering if she doesn't lik her patients questioning her. From what I have heard tho, she is one of the best breast surgeons.
Will be traveling to Chicago again for genetic counseling, and hopefully digital mammo and MRI.

[rinaina]

Where are you from Momdeeco? You mentioned you are traveling to Chicago. I live in suburb of Chicago. Where will you be going for your testing in Chicago?

[Jean]

my surgeon said the same thing....but.....

FACT: <TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=7 width=351 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ececff height=20>

Benefits of Breast MRI

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top height=165>

• Can image breast implants and ruptures
• Highly sensitive to small abnormalities
• Used effectively in dense breasts
• Can evaluate inverted nipples for evidence of cancer
• Can evaluate the extent of breast cancer
• Can help determine what type of surgery is indicated (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
• May detect breast cancer recurrences and residual tumors after lumpectomy
• Can locate primary tumor in women whose cancer has spread to axillary (armpit) lymph nodes
• Can spot or characterize small abnormalities missed by mammography
• May be useful in screening women at high risk for breast cancer, according to recent studies

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Bev]

Karla, I have sim DX, 2B and am a few months ahead of you.
I'm alternating MRI's and Mammos. I do wind up doing each test once a year so I think that's normal.

Mammo missed my tumor as well. I think as our breasts becomes less dense with age and meds, it will be more useful.

My imaging center automatically uses digital on survivors. BB

[Jean]

why the dr's do not promote the MRI. After my surgery I had an MRI after
reading how often many women have been told that they had another tumor
that was missed. My surgeon said it was not needed, I did it anyway for
my peace of mind. Well sure enough there was a small tumor found and
lucky me it was benign. I now have an MRI every other six months and
alternate with a digetal mamo. My insurance pays and since my bc dx.
they do not deny these tests.

Also the MRI can also exam the chest wall for cancer. I think since we have
been dx. with bc we are concerned about cancer recurrences and the digetal
mamo and MRI are a great diagnostic tool to help dx. I think it is a great
patient follow up. I just do not understand why the dr. does not feel it
is necessary. I have to wonder if the dr. is concerned that it looks bad for
them with the insurance and HMO since they are ordering the tests. We all
know the Dr. are rated on how many tests they order and HMO"s have
a lot of power over the dr.'s.

MRI is highly sensitive for small abnormalities....being a stage 1 patient
this would be extremely encouraging as you would like to remain a stage 1
patient. In the end I am afraid it is about money....not care....
the dr. is concerned he will be punished by the HMO or insurance carrier
for ordering too many tests. You are not the only patient your dr. orders test for. Dr.'s are given a number to follow in regards to testing.

Jean

[Carol Carlson]

When I had my most recent mammo--2/14, I asked about the mammo machines and they said that they were using nothing but digital now. Far better read diagnostically.

Carol

[momdeeco]

Riniana, I am from a small city outside of Peoria. I have an appt. with the University of Chicago on April 2. Thanks for all you insite on mammo's and MRI's. I am definately going to push for both the MRI and Digital Mammo. You ladies are a blessing!!!